Michael S. Liberman

Jul

19

Italy and Greece Day 18: Athens

July 19, 2024

From the rooftop bar of the Polis Grand Hotel in Athens …

After an early breakfast we disembark from the Celestyal Discovery at 7:30a following the overnight sail from Santorini to the port of Lavrion.

Disembarkation from the Celestyal Discovery
Lavrion, Greece • 37°42’33.98″ N 24°4’0.68″ E
iPhone 12 mini back dual wide camera 4.2mm f/1.6 • ISO 32 • 1/3200 sec at f/1.6

An hour bus ride gets us back to Athens to drop our bags at the Polis Grand Hotel. Check in isn’t until later this afternoon, so we’ve got some free time in Athens. Some members of the group are heading to the Acropolis, but Michelle and I are off on an adventure to Mount Lycabettus. Reached by funicular it’s the highest point in Athens and home to the 19th century Chapel of St. George. The views of the city from here are outstanding …

Mount Lycabettus
Athens, Greece • 37°58’18.26″ N 23°43’34.84″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 400 mm • ISO 100 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

The Mount Lycabettus funicular
Athens, Greece • 37°58’50.01″ N 23°44’38.42″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 200 mm • ISO 8000 • 1/8 sec at f/8.0

Olympic Stadium from Mount Lycabettus
Athens, Greece • 37°58’55.00″ N 23°44’35.74″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 170 mm • ISO 100 • 1/500 sec at f/7.6

The Acropolis from Mount Lycabettus
Athens, Greece • 37°58’55.00″ N 23°44’35.74″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 200 mm • ISO 90 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

It’s incredibly windy, but we enjoy the view for a couple of hours before returning to the hotel for lunch.

An Englishmen and an American meet for coffee in Athens to chat about sourdough bread baking. Sounds like a pitch for a spy novel!

But we’re meeting Phil, my sourdough bread baking guide. Phil is from Cambridge, England and lives with his family in Greece. He’s been a professional chef and is a bread baking phenom. I found his Culinary Exploration YouTube channel when I started baking sourdough and joined his Sourdough Unchained baking community to improve my baking skills. We talk sourdough baking, international travel, and get a local perspective on living in Athens.

Meeting with Phil at the Grand Polis Hotel (📷 Michelle)
Athens, Greece • 37°59’7.76″ N 23°43’46.51″ E
iPhone 11 back dual wide camera 4.25mm f/1.8 • ISO 125 • 1/60 sec at f/1.8

It’s our last night in Greece, so Sophie, Michelle, and I toast the end of the trip at the rooftop bar of the Polis Grand Hotel. The view is amazing!

M&M’S at the the Polis Grand Hotel rooftop bar (📷 Sophie)
Athens, Greece • 37°59’8.08″ N 23°43’46.32″ E
iPhone 14 Pro back triple camera 2.22mm f/2.2 • ISO 50 • 1/100 sec at f/2.2

Mount Lycabettus from the Polis Grand Hotel
Athens, Greece • 37°59’8.08″ N 23°43’46.33″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 170 mm • ISO 280 • 1/500 sec at f/7.6

The Acropolis from the Polis Grand Hotel rooftop bar
Athens, Greece • 37°59’8.08″ N 23°43’46.33″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 400 mm • ISO 400 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

Time to head home and get my starter back in to shape!

We fly back to Boston tomorrow.

Jul

18

Author:
Michael

2 Comments

Italy and Greece Day 17: Crete and Santorini

July 18, 2024

From Santorini …

We start the day with a visit to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, known for its stunning beaches, rugged mountains, lush valleys, ancient ruins. A quick bus ride gets us to the Bronze Age Archaeological Site of Knossos, the center of Minoan civilization, for a walking tour.

Archaeological Site of Knossos
Heraklion, Greece • 35°17’51.9″ N 25°9’47.95″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 80 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0

Archaeological Site of Knossos
Heraklion, Greece • 35°17’54.37″ N 25°9’47.68″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 34 mm • ISO 64 • 1/800 sec at f/4.5

Archaeological Site of Knossos
Heraklion, Greece • 35°17’51.76″ N 25°9’47.17″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 50 mm • ISO 90 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6

Then we return to Heraklion, the capital of Crete, a vibrant city that blends modern urban life with rich historical sites. We’ve got a little free time to shop around before returning to the ship.

The local market in Heraklion
Heraklion, Greece • 35°20’17.28″ N 25°7’59.49″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 360 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0

Gathering for coffee in the market
Heraklion, Greece • 35°20’12.80″ N 25°8’0.24″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 560 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0

Grapes in the market
Heraklion, Greece • 35°20’13.48″ N 25°8’0.15″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 50 mm • ISO 3200 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6

The local market in Heraklion
Heraklion, Greece • 35°20’15.40″ N 25°8’0.04″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 400 mm • ISO 7200 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

Lunch is back on board the Celestyal Discovery, along with some much needed time to pack for disembarkation. At 4p the ship arrives in the Santorini Caldera and shortly thereafter we are on a tender to the island.

Cruise ship and tender in the Santorini Caldera
Santorini Caldera, Greece • 36°23’20.79″ N 25°24’30.24″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 200 mm • ISO 100 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

With its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and stunning sunsets Santorini is on every travel photographers bucket list. The island’s unique landscape, shaped by a volcanic eruption, offers breathtaking views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. Santorini’s rich history, vibrant culture, and exquisite cuisine make it a must-visit destination in the Greek islands. It’s a little crowded here, but the views across the caldera are stunning.

Resurrection of the Lord Holy Orthodox Church
Oía, Greece • 36°27’41.97″ N 25°22’31.73″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 55 mm • ISO 250 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

Cruise ships in the Santorini Caldera
Oía, Greece • 36°27’43.41″ N 25°22’41.23″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 155 mm • ISO 110 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

Wine and bruschetta overlooking the Santorini Caldera
Oía, Greece • 36°27’41.97″ N 25°22’31.73″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 66 mm • ISO 500 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

Tomorrow we head back to Athens.

In Santorini
Oía, Greece • 36°27’41.41″ N 25°22’32.09″ E
iPhone 12 mini back dual wide camera 4.2mm f/1.6 • ISO 32 • 1/6900 sec at f/1.6

Jul

17

Author:
Michael

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Italy and Greece Day 16: Rhodes

July 17, 2024

From the Celestyal Discovery enroute to Crete…

At 7a we arrive at the island of Rhodes. We’re on our own today and there is no rush.

Known for its medieval Old Town, Rhodes, Greece, features the impressive Palace of the Grand Master, ancient city walls, beautiful beaches, clear waters, and scenic landscapes offers a blend of past and present. We sample it all!

Rhodes Port
Rhodes, Greece • 36°26’37.30″ N 28°13’52.09″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/1250 sec at f/4.0

Walls surrounding the Medieval City of Rhodes
Rhodes, Greece • 36°26’44.96″ N 28°13’29.23″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 1600 • 1/500 sec at f/22

Michelle and I head out at 9a for a walk through the medieval Old Town and then up the hill to the Rhodes Acropolis. Unfortunately the Rhodes Acropolis is hidden behind scaffolding, but the view from this hilltop makes the walk up worthwhile.

Through the Old Town
Rhodes, Greece • 36°26’32.48″ N 28°13’26.94″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 90 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0

Odeon at the Rhodes Ancient Olympic Stadium
Rhodes, Greece • 36°26’24.38″ N 28°12’43.15″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/1600 sec at f/4.0

The Rhodes Acropolis and Stadium
Rhodes, Greece • 36°26’23.07″ N 28°12’40.36″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 50 mm • ISO 72 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6

Next we walk back into town for lunch that is an assortment of breads, feta, and grilled octopus at Romio’s.

Hippocrates Square in Rhodes
Rhodes, Greece • 36°26’36.77″ N 28°13’42.3″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/1250 sec at f/4.0

Breads and Feta at Romio’s
Rhodes, Greece • 36°26’32.32″ N 28°13’40.02″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 800 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0

Then we walk through town to Ronda Beach Bar for a glass of wine and a dip in the Aegean Sea.

The beach in Rhodes
Rhodes, Greece • 36°27’12.6″ N 28°13’29.01″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/2000 sec at f/4.0

Lined up on the Rhodes Diving Platform to cool off in the Aegean Sea
Rhodes, Greece • 36°27’12.01″ N 28°13’28.96″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 84 mm • ISO 64 • 1/640 sec at f/6.0

A little before 6p the Celestyal Discovery departs Rhodes to begin the 168 nautical mile sail to Crete.

Jul

16

Author:
Michael

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Italy and Greece (and Türkiye!) Day 15: Kusadasi and Patmos

July 16, 2026

From the island of Patmos …

It’s nearly 10p by the time we’re back on board the Celestyal Discovery and have a late snack for dinner. Overnight the ship leaves Mykonos and cruises to Kusadasi, Türkiye. After a 6a breakfast it’s a very early 6:45a start for the Ephesus excursion.

Arrival in Kusadasi, Türkiye
Kuşadası, Türkiye • 37°51’43.8″ N 27°15’15.72″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/640 sec at f/4.0

Ephesus is one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. The archaeological site is renowned for its impressive ruins, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Terrace Houses, which provide insight into ancient Roman life and architecture. With the early start our local guide Oz makes sure that we are the first group in and we are treated to almost empty views of the site.

Ephesus archaeological site
Selçuk, Türkiye • 37°56’15.27″ N 27°20’34.62″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 72 • 1/500 sec at f/4.5

Temple of Hadrian at the Ephesus Archaeological Site
Selçuk, Türkiye • 37°56’17.86″ N 27°20’31.20″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 34 mm • ISO 64 • 1/640 sec at f/4.5

The Library of Celsus
Selçuk, Türkiye • 37°56’20.20″ N 27°20’28.68″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/1250 sec at f/4.0

The Ephesus Great Theatre
Selçuk, Türkiye • 37°56’29.50″ N 27°20’30.54″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 64 • 1/640 sec at f/4.0

Next we see the work of the Turkish carpet weavers and their intricate knotting technique at Golden Fringe. A few carpets are purchased by members of our group.

Carpet making at Golden Fringe
Selçuk, Türkiye • 37°55’49.68″ N 27°18’24.73″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 5600 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0

Carpet making tools and thread at Golden Fringe
Selçuk, Türkiye • 37°55’49.06″ N 27°18’25.01″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 8000 • 1/250 sec at f/4.0

Thread at Golden Fringe
Selçuk, Türkiye • 37°55’49.06″ N 27°18’25.01″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 8000 • 1/250 sec at f/4.0

Displaying the carpets at Golden Fringe
Selçuk, Türkiye • 37°55’48.81″ N 27°18’25.28″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 2800 • 1/500 sec at f/4.0

We head back to the ship for lunch and the short cruise to Patmos.

The island of Patmos is said to be where Saint John the Apostle received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation. The notable landmarks on the island are the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse. It’s a quick tender ride from the ship to the small town on the island. We don’t have enough time for the taxi ride up to the monastery, so we head to the beach instead.

The beach in Patmos
Patmos, Greece • 37°19’33.21″ N 26°32’35.40″ E
Nikon Z8 • 6.5 mm f/2 • ISO 60 • 1/2500 sec at f/2.0

Tonight is dinner on the ship and we sail the 112 nautical miles to the island of Rhodes.

Jul

15

Author:
Michael

2 Comments

Italy and Greece Day 14: Mykonos

July 15, 2025

From Katerina’s Cocktail Bar in Little Venice, Mykonos …

After an early breakfast and checkout at the Hermes Hotel, we’re on the bus with our new driver Fanis for the transfer to the port in Lavrion. Boarding for the Celestyal Discovery starts at 9a. We depart at 1p for the 68 nautical mile sail to Mykonos. There are 32 nations represented amongst the passengers onboard.

Departing Lavrion on the way to Mykonos
Lavrio, Greece • 37°42’20.13″ N 24°4’3.62″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 33.5 mm • ISO 64 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6

Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion as we leave Lavrion
Lavrio, Greece • 37°40’13.17″ N 24°4’58.51″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 400 mm • ISO 100 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

The island of Mykonos is known for its stunning beaches, whitewashed architecture, vibrant nightlife, and the iconic windmills. Walking through the narrow winding streets a new dining adventure awaits around every corner.